Christmas time brings people from all different backgrounds together. It isn't so much about the holiday itself but rather the dwindling down of stress that comes with this time of year. Everyone is looking forward to the semester to be over, to go back home and be with friends and family. There are bright colorful lights everywhere, everyone is cutely bundled up in coats and scarves. The list goes on and on.

There is so much joy everywhere.

Everyone is doing secret Santa and every friend gathering become trying to guess who has who. The stresses of finals is overcome by stressing about getting gifts instead. You get to hear about what people who actually celebrate Christmas hope to get. There are potlucks and get together. Songs about merriment are always playing.

Its so fun to just make a cup of hot chocolate and watch Christmas movies with family and friends. You really see how lucky you are to be around people who love you and who love you back.

I always try to spice up how I do these normal Christmas time things.

Every Friday we have a special prayer in the Mosque called Jummah. During the break, everyone is at Jummah because we are all back home college. We try to go to lunch after or cook ourselves. Instead of eating normal Christmas foods, we try to get make ethnic foods that we relate to. Some of our friends, who aren't Muslim get to try new foods by coming to these get togethers.

It isn't hard to find ways to enjoy the Holiday season without actually celebrating Christmas. You get a break from school work, allowing you to try new foods and activities and catch up with old friends. It's a merry time for all.